Quote:
Originally Posted by eatont9999
I have a definite answer for you on the lock nut. last week, I noticed that the belt for the compressor was squealing more than I have ever heard before. I had to shut off the A/C and pull over to inspect it. I noticed the nut was missing and the bolt had backed out. Upon further inspection, I noticed the last inch of the bolt was missing as well. I'm going to say that I bet it is still in the nut...
I went to the local depot and picked up a 1/2" x 8" #8 bolt and two nuts. I got home, chopped off 1" of the bolt, beveled the end at 45 degrees and hammered it through the bracket's bolt holes. I had to loosen the bracket a little to drive the new bolt through. I applied plenty of locktite and double nutted the bolt. I need to check if the nuts are still on the bolt, though - I have not popped the hood in a week.
Maybe a cause of the broken bolt but the supplemental mounting bracket on the upper oil pan is cracked at the 90 bend. It's not doing anything right now.
|
Once vibration starts, the engine will try to loose anything and everything bolted to it. If any one bolt got loose, it starts a chain reaction and does not stop until the entire compressor and bracket is dragging on the ground. It is very important to periodically inspect and tighten the fasteners on this system. I hate to say it, but if you had to pound in the 1/2" bolt, it will never come out if it breaks again. If you can source another factory (12mm X ?) bolt and all metal lock nut, that would be best. If the plate brace is broken at the bend, I suggest you either get it welded SOON, or remove the belt until you get a replacement. The brace has to be there, and be intact or the same thing will happen again (or worse). The best way to remove the belt (actually relocating it intact) is to rout it around the crank pulley and up to and around the PS pump. You can just zip tie it so it does not rub on anything. When you are ready to use the belt again, just cut the ties and rout the belt back down around the crank pulley and on the compressor.....Rich